x -- Automatic qualifiers from Western Conference; y -- Automatic qualifiers from Eastern Conference.Category II: The seven teams within 10 points of the last playoff spot if the playoffs started today:

• With 8 games remaining, Chicago, San Jose and KC have a higher ceiling for points earned than Seattle and Toronto.

• October 23 is giong to be a huge day: San Jose vs. Kansas City should be a playoff-spot game, Real Salt Lake vs. Colorado has Supporter's Shield implications, D.C. United and Chivas USA could play spoiler to Toronto and Chicago respectively.